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I can’t quite get my head round it being June already – 2017 is well and truly here.

I began the year brining in the bells with The Daddy Naggins, and then swiftly found myself in the throws of Celtic Connections where I took on programming The Late Night Sessions for the second time. I love being so involved in the festival and getting to hear such a fantastic array of music! I also took part in ‘A Night for Angus,’ a huge celebration of the life and music of Shooglenifty’s Angus Grant who we sadly lost in 2016. The concert is now available to stream here – http://www.vimeo.com/ondemand/anightforangus

After the festival I mainly spent time concentrating on organising The Edinburgh Youth Gatherin for the first time. Its a long standing teaching week that has been going for over 20 years in Edinburgh, and Hands Up for Trad are working to keep it going. If you know any young people who would be interested, keep your eyes peeled for more info here.

I spent the rest of April touring with The Shee around the UK. It was really nice to re-visit the music of Continuum, such a special project for us.

May really came in fast – I had the best hen doo and wedding ever (every bride says that, I know!), and now we’re into June.

This summer I am gigging with Jenn, The Shee, The Daddy Naggins and a new band, Kinnaris Quintet at festivals like Underneath the Stars, Sidmouth, Priddy and Arran. See my gigs page if you’d like to catch a gig. I will also be taking part in a very special gig at Piping Live in Glasgow, to launch the CD we made of the music of a dear, lost friend and extraordinary musician, Fraser Shaw. It was a huge project to be involved in, produced by the wonderful Duncal Lyall. For more info, and to buy the CD, visit The Fraser Shaw Trust website.

Anyhow, its getting late, so enough waffle for now. I’m going to leave you with a little rehearsal video of the new band Jenn and I are in – Kinnaris Quintet.